CCFPA’s Latest Member? It’s Mr. Reice Charles-Cook!
Sky Blue Reice in 2016-17
Yesterday we teased readers with the identity of our latest signing to the Association. Welcome to recent former Sky Blue shot-stopper Reice Charles-Cook! He signed up last Saturdays after appearing between the sticks for visitors Swindon Town. Sky Blues current goalkeeper, once Reice’s rival for No.1 spot, finished happier of the two goalkeepers!
We said it was a young professional and Reice is 23 born in Lewisham on 8th April 1994. The 6′ 1″ goalkeeper came up through Arsenal’s Academy. When released by the Gunners Bury snapped him up and Reice made his league debut for the Shakers on 15 March 2014 in a goalless draw with Southend United when he came on as a half-time sub.
Gracie, Reice & Sarah sign him up for CCFPA!
The Sky Blues were sufficiently impressed with Reice to offer him a one year deal which he signed on 18 July 2014 (with an option for a further year). We loaned him out to local neighbours Nuneaton Town until January 2015 to gain experience and impressive performances for ‘the Borough’ in 17 appearances earned him an extended contract until the end of the 2015–16 season. He eventually made his Sky Blue first team debut on 11 August 2015 in a League Cup tie at Rochdale.
Following an illness to the Sky Blues by now established young 1st team goalkeeper Lee Burge Reice then made his league debut in a 3-0 win over Shrewsbury Town and held onto the no. 1 shirt even after Lee’s full recovery. He managed to make Club history by being the first shotstopper to keep clean sheets in his first four league games and then extended his performance to a club post-war record for the most consecutive minutes without conceding a goal.
Reice apparently both heading & kicking the ball before the Sky Blues game wih Swindon Town
On 12 November 2015, Reice signed a new contract committing his future to Coventry until 2018 and started the 2016-17 season as first choice goalkeeper. However, an error leading to a AFC Wimbledon goal in the Sky Blues 2-2 draw with them gave Lee a chance to regain his first choice position.
After 62 League and Cup games Reice moved onto Swindon Town signing a two year deal with the Robins, initially as cover. However, making his first team debut in October 2017 Reice is now first choice (and has already clocked up over 15 appearances) including, of course being between the sticks for STFC in their game with the Sky Blues last Saturday!!
CCFPA Membership Secretary Sarah Morris and Reice were well known to each other as Reice was a frequently the CCFC squad player assigned to accompany the CCFPA ‘special guest’ on their match-day duties! Reice continues to hold much affection for Coventry City and its fans. In spite of the result and the joshing of his new team-mates he had no hesitation in accepting Sarah’s offer to sign for the Association after the game and is pictured with Sarah (and daughter Gracie) after being presented with his official Association badge and tie. It was little consolation for Reice but he clearly was not at fault with any of the Sky Blues three goals, a stunning long range strike from Max Biamou, a marc McNulty penalty and another pin sharp placed drive from Marc to seal the match.
Reice will always be welcome back at Coventry and still has many friends and former colleagues who he is in touch with. We hope he will come back and see us for CCFPA events in the future whenever playing commitments allow!
